Choosing polo saddles and tack.

This guide helps you know what to look for. It does not tell you which bit or saddle to put on a particular pony. That depends on the pony, and is a decision for an experienced trainer, instructor or qualified fitter who knows it.

What the rules require

HPA 2026

• Fit. Ponies must be turned out in appropriate tack; poor or badly fitted tack is not permitted (Part 1 Rule 3c).
• Banned items (Rule 3c). Blinkers and anything that might obstruct vision; nosebands, headpieces or headcollars with wire or sharp material; any equipment with sharp projections; tongue ties; and hackamores or bitless bridles in play (a club may allow them in practice chukkas).
• Bits (Rule 3c). No bit whose mouthpiece is under 0.25 in (6.5 mm) at its narrowest point, and no curb bit with a cheek or shank longer than 6 in (15.2 cm), measured from where the bit attaches to the cheekpiece to the lowest rein attachment.
• Girths. An equaliser or humane girth (both buckles on one strap) only with an overgirth or surcingle (Rule 3c). Cinch girths are not permitted (Part 2 Rule 2.4r).
• Broken tack. Play stops at once for a broken bit, a broken single rein (or both if double) or a broken girth (Part 1 Rule 20b).

The HPA rule text we read does not require a breastplate or a martingale.

USPA 2024 Outdoor Rules

Rule 6b bans blinkers and shadow rolls. We found no USPA 2024 rule on bit dimensions, saddles, girths, breastplates or martingales. The USPA revises its rules each year and its 2026 book was not reviewed for this site, so check the current edition.

Pony Club 2026 (UK junior polo)

• Plain black or brown leather bridles only, no clip-on tack, and only one noseband (with a cavesson allowed alongside certain nosebands when a standing martingale is used).
• Bits must fit, suit polo, comply with current HPA rules and be used as manufactured.
• Two reins should be used (with single-rein exceptions in JOPPS and JOR); rope reins and bridge reins are banned.
• All ponies must wear a leather standing martingale; breastplates are required except in JOR and HX.
• Humane girths are discouraged and allowed only with an overgirth.
• Stirrup leathers or irons may not be attached to the girth.

The Australian Polo Federation banned tongue ties in July 2023 to align with the HPA. We found no FIP or AAP tack rule in a readable primary source.

Our picks by category

How to choose

Fit to the pony

The HPA's 2026 rules make badly fitted tack a breach in itself. A saddle, girth or bridle that suits one pony may not suit another, so buy for a specific pony and have each piece checked on it by someone qualified. Learning to fit a martingale or breastplate is a hands-on skill to pick up from an instructor or experienced groom.

Check against the rules before the pony plays

The bit rules are the most precise: the HPA sets a minimum mouthpiece thickness and a maximum curb shank length. Measure, or ask the seller for the figures, before you buy, and check the item is used as manufactured if you play Pony Club.

Think about breakage

The HPA's 2026 rules stop play for a broken girth, bit or rein, and the Pony Club's 2026 rulebook adds a broken curb chain and a martingale trailing on the ground. Sound leather and a backup overgirth matter. The HPA's 2026 guidance for umpires' ponies asks for the girth to be tight and the leather work sound, a fair standard for any playing pony.

Saddlecloths and stirrups

The St. Moritz programme says polo saddlecloths are traditionally cotton, square or shaped, with some gel versions, and that polo stirrups are wider than in other equestrian sports. The Pony Club strongly recommends a stirrup that releases the foot easily in a fall.

Before you play, check the current tack rules of your governing body, club and tournament. Leg protection for the pony has its own guide: pony leg protection.